GRADE 2

Building Circuits with PhET

We're exploring both electricity and light this year! We used a simulation to test what we needed to make a simple circuit. We started by exploring to see what we noticed about the kinds of circuits we could make. We realized that if we added batteries, the light bulbs seemed to shine brighter. We also realized that if two wires touched the same part of the bulb, the bulb wouldn't light up. 

We also compared a parallel circuit to a series circuit. The parallel circuit allowed us to switch off one bulb and allow the other one to stay lit.

Observing and Drawing Light Bulbs

We observed and sketched light bulbs up close. One thing we noticed was that the bottom of the light bulb had a metal tip that was separated from the rest of the metal bottom with some kind of black material. Mr. Smith told us that the black material was an insulator that kept the two conductive metal parts separate. These two metal parts connect to either end of the filament inside the bulb and are conductors.

Exploring with Snap Circuits

We built a variety of mini-projects using snap circuits. We selected mini-projects to build based on our interests. This year, we will be designing things to solve problems in the world with light and electricity.

Mixing Light Colors

We explored how our eyes see different colors of light using a PhET simulation. We figured out what happens when we mix different colors of light together. For instance, we were surprised to find that mixing red and green light together makes yellow!

Investigating with Lasers and Mirrors

We investigated with lasers and mirrors to try to hit a target. We noticed that when the laser hits the mirror, it reflects off at a similar angle. We started with one mirror and worked our way up to using four and five. Lasers are used in a number of different technologies.

Coding Stories with Sphero Indi

We used color cards to code our Sphere Indi robots. The colors tell the robot what to do (i.e., speed up, slow down, turn, spin, stop). We created story elements to accompany our code.

Coding Loops with Sphero Indi

We continued exploring with Sphero Indi and color cards to create an algorithm in which the robot doesn't stop. This repeated pattern is a loop.

Coding Story Maps with Ozobot

We created characters and story maps with Ozobots. Our little robots speed up, slow down, spin, zigzag, etc. as they read coded patterns we draw with red, green, blue, and black markers. First, we designed costumes for our Ozobots. Then, we brainstormed story ideas for why they might want to change speed or direction.

Coding Math Stories in Scratch

We put our math and coding skills in action to create math word problems in Scratch. We analyzed an example that Mr. Smith created. The code uses an if/then statement, or conditional, to do one thing if a correct answer is entered or another things if an incorrect answer is entered. Then, we drafted our own questions on paper and created stories in Scratch.

Inventors and Patents

We discussed how a number of inventors contributed to the development of the light bulb, including Thomas Edison and Lewis Latimer. We read a little about inventor Lewis Latimer and his work with patents. We also read a picture book about Garrett Morgan, inventor of the traffic light. We wrote down important information about what we learned about Latimer: who, what, where, when, why, and how. We also discussed why people apply for patents.

Staying Safe and Kind on the Internet

We learned about digital citizenship with Interland, Common Sense Media, and from a guest speaker from the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General.

Genius Hour

We kicked off Genius Hour. Students have opportunities throughout the year to design and complete projects of their choosing. Schools across the world implement Genius Hour programs to support students in pursuing their own interests and explore their passions. The Wildcat Workshop, with its materials and emphasis on civic and creative uses of digital technologies, is a perfect space for this kind of activity. So far this year, students in grade 2 have:

• Created beats and raps with the MIDI keyboard, Garage Band, and the recording booth

• Made various designs with felt, fabric, cardboard, hot glue, etc.

• Begun to learn to hand sew with needles, fabric, and thread

• Built models using LEGOs and the LEGO robotics kits

• Scanned, copied, and bound a book that they worked on outside of school time

• Designed toys from found materials